At Nykaa, we consider ourselves quite the experts on all thinks skincare. And why shouldn’t we? There’s no dearth of skin products that land on our desks. We’re always getting asked, “What skin care routine should I follow?” So here we are, with a daily skin care menu and the exact products you should be using for your skin type. This will take the guesswork out of your a.m. and p.m. routine and answer all your niggling questions.
But before we get started let’s list some basic skin friendly tips and tricks for ALL skin types:
- Always pat your face dry, never rub.
- Avoid using warm water to wash your face.
- Take your makeup off at the end of the day, no matter how tired you are.
- Leave a gap of five minutes between each step of your skincare routine.
Now keep scrolling to find your daily skin menu!
1. Normal/Combination Skin
This skin type is free of obvious issues. However, you tend to have an oily T-zone and dry skin on the cheeks. So you need products that serve a dual function.
• Morning Routine
Cleanser: Start by washing your face with a mild soap free face wash like Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing Purifying Gel This will help remove dirt and dead cells without stripping away too much oil.
Toner: Since you have a dual skin type using a toner can be over-drying on cheeks. Just use one on your oily T-Zone to nix shine. Try a gentle but effective formula like Plum Green Tea Alcohol-Free Toner on your T-Zone.
Sunscreen/Moisturizer: An oil-free, lightweight sunscreen is ideal for you. Look for a formula with SPF 15 or more like L'Oreal Paris UV Perfect Aqua Essence SPF 50 This will protect your skin from any kind of sun damage.
• Night Routine
Cleanser: Use the same face wash to cleanse your face.
Toner: Use the same toner as above
Moisturizer: Use night creams that contain Retinol and Alpha Hydroxyl Acid to unclog pores and reduce fine lines. We recommend Ponds Age Miracle Night Cream
Bonus Tip: Exfoliating clay is ideal for combination skin types. This keeps pores clean, ensuring fewer breakouts and brighter skin. Use a gentle exfoliator like Votre Dermabrade Scrub - Clay Exfoliant twice a week.
2. Oily Skin
This skin type is prone to acne and blackheads. Your skincare routine should aim to cleanse pores without over-drying skin. Over drying oily skin leads to rebound oiliness. Also, don't forget to apply a moisturiser that suits your skin type.
• Morning Routine
Cleanser: Wash your face with a gel-based face wash every morning like Avene Cleanance Gel to eliminate impurities and excess sebum without stripping skin of natural oils.
Toner: Use a gentle and soothing toner to remove excess oil. This will not only reduce sebum production but also restore the skin pH levels and minimise pores. We recommend Kaya Purifying Toner to ensure firm, luminous skin.
Sunscreen/Moisturiser: Often oily skin doesn’t require extra moisture but it definitely needs sun protection. Choose a mattifying, non-sticky formula like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ It quickly penetrates skin without shine or stickiness.
• Night Routine
Cleanser: Use the same face wash to cleanse your face.
Toner: Use the same toner as above
Moisturizer: Use a night cream with Retinol. This is effective in drying up sebum and firming skin. We recommend Ponds Age Miracle Night Cream to minimize fine lines and control sebum production.
Bonus Tip: Don’t wash your face too often. This will only signal skin to produce more oil to stay hydrated. Instead use a facial mask like Plum Green Tea Clear Face Mask which helps control acne.
3. Dry Skin
You should invest in a hydrating moisturiser to keep skin supple. It’s also important to pick moisturizing face washes..
• Morning Routine
Cleanser: Use a foaming face wash like Dove Beauty Moisture Face Wash that not only cleanses skin but moisturises and hydrates it as well.
Toner: Avoid toners that contain SD alcohol 40, Denatured Alcohol, Ethanol or Andisopropyl Alcohol. Most dry skinned gals avoid using toners but the Himalaya Herbals Gentle Refreshing Toner is a protective and alcohol-free toner especially formulated for dry or very dry skin.
Sunscreen/Moisturizer: VLCC Glow+ Sun Block Lotion SPF 20 is ideal for dry skin types. It protects against darkening and keeps skin hydrated.
• Night Routine
Cleanser: Use the same face wash to cleanse your face.
Toner: Use the same toner as above
Moisturizer: We recommend Olay Total Effects 7 In One Anti-Ageing Night Firming Cream This fights the seven signs of aging and moisturizes the skin from deep within
Bonus tip:Dry skin tends to start looking dull. Use an exfoliator to get rid of dead skin cells. Use a gentle exfoliator like Lotus Herbals Apriscrub Fresh Apricot Scrubonce a week but do remember to follow up with a moisturizer.
4. Sensitive Skin
This type of skin gets irritated easily so you need to be extra careful while choosing products. Dermo-Cosmetic brands are ideal for this skin type because they are formulated to be hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and fragrance and paraben-free.
• Morning Routine
Cleanser:Steer clear of irritant ingredients and use a mild fragrance-free cleanser like Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam Ph5.5 to balance your skin’s pH levels.
Toner: An alcohol-free toner is recommended. Look for ingredients such as Green Tea or White Tea extracts, Witch Hazel and Chamomile. These are calming anti-inflammatory additions that soothe your skin. We recommend Plum Green Tea Alcohol-Free Toner
Sunscreen/Moisturizer: Opt for a sunscreen that contains Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Unfortunately, these are not easily available in the Indian market; however, you could look for a formula meant for sensitive skins such as Kaya Sun Defense Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin-Sun Care SPF15
• Night Routine
Cleanser: Use the same face wash to cleanse your face.
Toner: Use the same toner as above
Moisturizer: A fragrance-free soothing moisturiser like Avene Cicalfate Repair Cream is ideal. It contains Pre-Tocopheryl that forms a protective shield, and Sodium Hyaluronate that maintains the skin’s moisture balance.
Bonus tip: We suggest you to use The Body Care Cucumber Peel Off Mask that delivers a soothing surge of hydration with the cooling effects of Cucumber. It also unclogs skin pores, removes dead skin cells, tones up your face and brings back the vitality of your skin.
Nykaa Recommends: Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam Ph5.5, Plum Green Tea Alcohol-Free Toner , L'Oreal Paris UV Perfect Super Aqua Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ Long UVA , Kaya Sun Defense Sunscreen For Sensitive Sunscreen SPF15, Kaya Sun Defense Sunscreen For Sensitive Sunscreen SPF15 and Avene Cicalfate Repair Cream
On the lookout for a face wash formulated for sensitive skin? Check out:
